EP3990298A1

EP3990298A1 - Device for air distribution in the interior of a vehicle and corresponding vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP3990298A1
Application number: EP20734895.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Amélie Jacquemart-Purson; Jana Maria RESCH
Original assignee: MAN Truck and Bus SE
Current assignee: MAN Truck and Bus SE
Priority date: 2019-07-01
Filing date: 2020-06-24
Publication date: 2022-05-04
Also published as: WO2021001222A1; DE102019117675A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for air distribution in the interior of a vehicle, comprising an air supply unit for conveying air and a textile air distribution device (3) which is fluidically connected to the air supply unit. The textile air distribution device (3) further comprises a spacer textile (4) composed of two textile base surfaces (4a, 4b) which are held at a distance by a plurality of spacing threads (4c) connecting both base surfaces (4a, 4b).

Description

Device for air distribution in the interior of a vehicle and corresponding vehicle

description

The invention relates to a device for air distribution in the interior of a vehicle, for. B. in the interior of a bus, as well as a vehicle with such a device for air distribution.

Particularly in connection with the ventilation and / or air conditioning of vehicles for passenger transport, for example buses, it is known in the prior art to conduct sucked in and, if necessary, tempered outside air via appropriate lines to the passenger compartment and there by means of defined air outlet openings, mostly in the form of ventilation slots or Ventilation nozzles to deliver to the interior of the vehicle. In order to achieve a sufficient ventilation or air-conditioning effect in the passenger compartment, the air released from the corresponding air outlets (slots, nozzles, etc.) often has a high outflow speed, which is sometimes perceived as unpleasant by occupants. Another disadvantage of the aforementioned ventilation systems is that their installation is associated with considerable costs due to the large number of components (pipes, slots or nozzles, adjustment mechanisms, etc.) and, due to the usually limited installation space in the vehicle, a high installation effort.

Accordingly, in this context there is a need for vehicle ventilation with which the disadvantages of the previous systems are avoided. In particular, the invention is based on the object of providing a cost-effective and easy-to-install or exchangeable ventilation device for a vehicle interior, by means of which the occurrence of drafts in the interior of the vehicle can be avoided as far as possible.

These objects are achieved by a device and a vehicle with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and applications of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

The inventive device for air distribution in the interior of a vehicle, for. B. for air distribution in the interior of a city and / or coach, initially includes an air supply device for promoting air. This can for example be a blower, a fan, a ventilator and / or another device known in the prior art for directed movement and / or distribution of air. Preferably, the air supply device should be an air supply device for conveying and providing temperature-controlled, ie in particular cooled, air. For this purpose, the air supply device can, for example, comprise a corresponding heating and / or cooling device for controlling the temperature of the conveyed air and / or be designed as part of an air conditioning system for a vehicle.

In order to finally lead the conveyed and optionally tempered air to the interior of the vehicle, the device further comprises a textile air distribution device, preferably arranged in the vehicle interior. This is fluidly connected to the aforementioned Luftversorgungseinrich device, for example by means of pipelines, and designed to deliver air conveyed by the air supply device, preferably over a large area, to the interior of the vehicle. For this purpose, the textile air distribution device can be designed, for example, as a ceiling interior lining of the vehicle that forms the vehicle roof. In other words, the interior should not be ventilated by means of bundled air flows from nozzles, slots, etc., which then hit the passengers' bodies in a highly localized manner, which they sometimes find uncomfortable, but rather through one, preferably one if possible Air-permeable and / or porous fibrous material distributed over a large area in the vehicle interior. It should be mentioned here that the textile air distribution device - as will be explained in more detail below - can also include non-textile components, but in all cases the air delivery to the vehicle interior or the air distribution function of the air distribution device should be by means of a textile , preferably by means of a spinnable natural and / or chemical fibers on pointing substance take place.

According to the invention it is provided that the textile air distribution device comprises a stand-off textile. The spacer textile should have two textile base surfaces (sometimes also referred to as cover layers) which are kept at a distance by a plurality of spacer threads connecting the two base surfaces (sometimes also referred to as pile threads or connecting threads). As explained in more detail below, the like - so far preferably used in mattresses, upholstered furniture or technical clothing - spacer textiles vary in their structure depending on the desired application. For example, the spacing pile threads and the respective base surfaces can be made of different materials and / or a different thickness or have rigidity. Additionally or alternatively, the cover layers can be designed as essentially open structures or as relatively tightly closed surfaces.

What all these embodiments have in common is that the spaced-apart layer structure or sandwich structure of the spacer textile ensures overall high air permeability or good flowability, the pile threads advantageously ensuring diffuse air distribution. In addition, because of the relatively open sandwich structure, in contrast to foam or other “dense” pore materials, an accumulation of large amounts of moisture is advantageously avoided. Accordingly, the largest possible air discharge with, compared to conventional nozzle openings, correspondingly reduced outflow velocities can be made possible, so that ventilation or air conditioning of the interior can be achieved without drafts - which are often perceived as unpleasant by occupants. Furthermore, the textile material can also take on a sound-absorbing function and can also be easily attached in the interior, for example by means of zip and / or Velcro connections.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the textile air distribution device and / or the spacer textile can be designed as an interior cladding of the vehicle, preferably visible to vehicle occupants. Here, the expression “interior trim” is intended to encompass all parts that can form surfaces in the interior of a vehicle. For example, the textile air distribution device can be designed as a floor, door, wall and / or ceiling interior lining of the vehicle. In addition or as an alternative, the interior cladding - which can also be referred to as a non-load-bearing facing - can also be a cladding of a dashboard, an armrest or similar interior parts. The textile air distribution device is preferably attached in the interior of the vehicle (for example on a body part, on the vehicle frame or the like) in such a way that one of the base surfaces of the spacer textile faces the interior. In addition to a space-saving integration of vehicle ventilation in the interior structures of the vehicle, the wide range of design options for textiles also advantageously allow a high degree of flexibility in the design of the cladding and ventilation.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the spacer textile can be a knitted spacer fabric, a knitted spacer fabric and / or a spacer fabric. Here - according to the usual understanding - under a knitted spacer fabric or knitted spacer fabric in each case a textile material is to be understood in which the two, through the spacing connecting threads both Bases kept together as well as at a distance were produced by stitch formation on a knitting machine. While knitting creates one stitch next to the other, ie the thread runs horizontally along a row of stitches, in knitted fabrics the thread forms stitches one above the other, ie the thread runs vertically and forms a wale with the adjacent thread. A spacer fabric, on the other hand, is to be understood as a textile material whose base areas are produced by weaving, ie by the vertical and horizontal crossing of two thread systems (warp and weft), and thus not by stitch formation. Regardless of the specific form of manufacture, all the embodiments have in common the spaced-apart layer structure or sandwich structure, which ensures high air permeability or good permeability. Correspondingly, the spacer textile can also be referred to overall as an air-permeable spacer textile.

In order to achieve different levels of ventilation and / or air conditioning in different areas of the vehicle interior - for example in the area of the rows of seats and in the area of the aisle and / or in the area of the driver's seat and in the area of the vehicle rear - in a bus, the textile air distribution device According to a further aspect of the invention, a structuring for spatially varying air delivery - with respect to the vehicle interior - comprise. In other words, the textile air distribution device can not be designed to be homogeneous over its surface and / or have at least two areas with different properties over its surface. The structuring z. B. can be implemented in the form of a locally varying density of the spacer threads of the spacer textile, with possible further forms or designs of the structuring being discussed in more detail below.

The structuring of the textile air distribution device can include, for example, a spatial variation of a thickness, a porosity and / or a material composition (e.g. polyester polyamide) of the spacer textile, with a “spatial variation” here as well - with regard to the fundamental Layer or sandwich structure of the spacer textile along its thickness - primarily a variation over the area of the spacer textile should be understood. Merely by way of example, to realize the aforementioned spatially varying porosity of the spacer textile z. B. a type of thread, a thread density, a stitch density, a weaving technique and / or a stitch weave over the surface of the stand textile from locally selected or designed differently. In addition or as an alternative, the structuring can also include a spatial variation of a density, an angular position, a rigidity and / or a fineness of the spacer threads. As is common in the textile sector, the fineness can be understood as a measure of a thickness, a diameter and / or a strength of the spacer threads. Or, to put it differently, the structuring can accordingly also include a spatial variation of a thickness, a diameter and / or a strength of the spacer threads.

In addition to the “flat” structuring of the textile air distribution device described above, in order to achieve a varying air release over the roof area, for example, the two base surfaces of the spacer textile can also have different properties and / or different air permeability - according to a further aspect of the invention exhibit. In other words, the spacer textile can be related to its thickness direction, i. H. along its sandwich structure or layering, have an asymmetrical structure. So z. B. the base area of the spacer fabric facing the interior has a higher porosity or air permeability than the base area facing outwards, so that - when air is introduced "sideways" into the spacer fabric - air is preferably released to the interior. In addition or as an alternative, the different properties of the base areas can also be selected with regard to aesthetic aspects. For example, the base area visible to the occupants can be designed in a visually appealing manner, while the associated “rear” base area is merely designed to be expedient. In order to realize the aforementioned different properties and / or air permeability of the base areas, the person skilled in the art knows a number of possibilities for varying material properties, some of which have already been mentioned in connection with the two-dimensional structuring. Varying a thickness, a material composition, a type of yarn used, a thread density, a stitch density, a weaving technique and / or a stitch weave of the two base areas of the spacer textile is mentioned here merely as an example. In addition to the above-mentioned different properties and / or different air permeability of the base surfaces, however, these can - if expedient - also have the same properties and / or air permeability.

In order to also enable the interior to be heated in addition to ventilating the vehicle interior, the spacer textile according to a further aspect of the invention can be provided with a heatable textile layer, preferably a heatable textile fleece, at least in some areas. In other words, the spacer textile can at least partially comprise a, preferably flexible, textile heater. Heatable textiles of this type are basically known in the prior art and are sold commercially, for example, by roma Strickstoff-Fabrik Rolf Mayer GmbH & Co. KG and Amann & Sons GmbH & Co. KG. The functional principle of these materials is based on the fact that the fibrous material (e.g. a nonwoven) includes partially electrically conductive (e.g. galvanized or carbon-particle-coated) fibers and / or yarns that heat up when a current flows through them. In addition to the above-mentioned additional attachment of correspondingly heatable textiles or substances to the spacer textile, the electrically conductive fibers and / or electrically conductive yarns can also or alternatively also be introduced directly into the spacer textile. In other words, the textile heater can thus also be integrated into the spacer textile. In an advantageous manner, the most immediate and thus effective heat transfer to the air flowing into the vehicle interior can be made possible, with heat losses being largely avoided due to the short transport routes through the spacer textile.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the heatable textile layer can be heated over its entire surface and / or air-impermeable. The expression “fully heatable” is intended to indicate that the corresponding textile layer - when viewed macroscopically - can be heated, preferably homogeneously, over its entire surface. Furthermore, the term “airtight” should be understood as essentially “airtight”. In other words, the heatable textile layer according to this embodiment can only have a low or negligible air permeability, which can be achieved only by way of example by a corresponding impregnation and / or coating of the heatable textile layer (e.g. synthetic resin). In addition or as an alternative, the heatable textile layer can also comprise a heat-insulating layer and / or a heat-insulating coating. The expression “heat-insulating” is ultimately intended to indicate that the corresponding layer and / or coating has only low thermal conductivity or conducts heat only very poorly. The advantage of these designs is that in addition to the possibility of heating the air introduced into the vehicle interior, this warm air can also be distributed in a directed manner, for example by providing one of the base surfaces of the spacer textile with an air-impermeable, heatable textile fleece, which is a It includes a heat-insulating coating so that - when air is introduced “from the side” into the spacer textile - air and / or heat are preferably introduced into the vehicle interior.

In order to generally and especially in the case that the textile air distribution device is designed as a large-area interior trim part (z. B. as a vehicle roof lining), the stability of the To increase textile air distribution device, according to a further aspect of the invention, this can comprise at least one stiffening structural element. This at least regionally for stiffening and / or for dissipating loads serving component can also be referred to as a support member or support structure and z. B. in the form of an additional carrier attached to or in the textile air distribution device. In addition or as an alternative, the stiffening structural element can also be part of the textile air distribution device itself - for example in the form of a local thickening so that no separate component has to be mounted on the air distribution device to achieve a stiffening effect. In addition to the aforementioned possibilities for realizing the stiffening structural element, further shapes and designs of this component will be discussed below.

Thus, according to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one stiffening structural element can comprise a profile support introduced into the spacer textile. This can e.g. B. made of aluminum and also or alternatively, for example, be designed as a square tube, round tube, double T-beam or as a carrier with a U, C or angled profile. To introduce the profile carrier into the spacer fabric, the spacer fabric can comprise a pre-defined recess in the spacer threads or a predetermined recess in the layer of spacer threads connecting the two base surfaces, into which the corresponding profile carrier can be inserted. Alternatively, however, the profile carrier can also be incorporated or integrated into the spacer textile during manufacture. Advantageously, this allows the spacer textile to be stiffened, in which the appearance of the spacer textile - especially when used as interior cladding - is not impaired, since the at least one stiffening structural element is covered by the two textile bases.

In addition or as an alternative, the at least one stiffening structural element can encompass a frame that at least partially surrounds an edge region of the spacer textile. The edge area is preferably an edge area of the spacer textile on which the spacer threads are exposed, ie the sandwich structure is visible. For the highest possible stability of the resulting structure, the aforementioned frame can preferably surround the entire edge area of the spacer textile, and / or the frame can - similar to a framework - be designed as a frame structure whose interstices are completely filled by the spacer textile. Alternatively, the frame, which can also be referred to as edging, but chen only in certain edge areas, z. B. be arranged on two opposite edges of the spacer textile. In contrast to the integration of the stiffening structural element in the spacer fabric, the design as a frame or border advantageously enables simple (subsequent) attachment of the stiffener to an existing spacer fabric, for example by means of an adhesive connection.

In addition or as an alternative, the at least one stiffening structural element can comprise a carrier shell that is connected at least in regions, preferably over the entire surface, to one of the base surfaces of the spacer textile. The connection of the base of the spacer textile with the - also referred to as a support structure - support shell can, for. B. by gluing, melting and / or spraying, it is preferably provided that the Trä gerschale is designed as a sprayed-on plastic carrier shell. In other words, the spacer textile according to this embodiment can comprise an air-permeable front side formed by the free base area and preferably oriented towards the interior space, as well as an air-impermeable rear side formed by the base area attached to the carrier shell. The advantage of this - in relation to the thickness direction of the spacer textile - strongly asymmetrical design is that, particularly if air is introduced “laterally” into the spacer textile, both a stabilization of the textile air distribution device and a directed release of air are made possible in a simple manner .

According to a further aspect of the invention, the textile air distribution device and / or the spacer textile can be designed as a self-supporting molded part. The self-supporting molded part can preferably be a self-supporting molded part for installation as a floor, door, wall and / or ceiling interior trim in the vehicle. The term “self-supporting” should be understood here to mean that the corresponding molded part is designed to support itself. In other words, the corresponding molded part should be without additional - i. H. Supports, beams or similar stiffeners that do not belong to the air distribution device or the spacer textile itself have stability. In an advantageous manner, a simple attachment of the textile air distribution device in the vehicle interior is thereby made possible.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the textile air distribution device can also be used to hold at least one sensor device in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, the textile air distribution device can have a transmitter, preferably integrated into the spacer textile. comprise sensor device, this being preferably a sensor device for detecting air humidity, a number of people in the interior, seat occupancy and / or an interior temperature. Here, the sensor device can be attached to the stand textile from and / or - similar to the case of the profile carrier - be arranged in corresponding recesses in the spacer threads. Correspondingly, the sensor device - for example if it is designed as a camera device - can be visible from the interior of the vehicle and / or be in direct line of sight to the interior or, if the sensor device is e.g. B. is designed as a hygrometer or an infrared camera, be arranged between the two textile base surfaces and thus not be visible from the interior. In an advantageous manner, a space-saving and inconspicuous detection of parameters such. B. the interior temperature, the z. B. are required for a possible control and / or regulation of the ventilation or air conditioning of the interior.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the textile air distribution device can comprise a lighting device (for example LED light sources), preferably integrated into the spacer textile. The lighting device can be attached to the spacer textile and / or in corresponding recesses, for. B. be arranged in recesses of the spacer threads, whereby an efficient multiple use of the textile air distribution device can be achieved in an advantageous manner, both for ventilation and for mounting.

In order to further simplify the assembly or the cabling effort in this context, the lighting device - according to a further aspect of the invention - can be designed in the form of a luminescent textile. For this purpose, the luminous textile preferably comprises a self-luminous yarn and / or light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and / or polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) integrated into a conductive yarn. In addition or as an alternative, the luminous textile can also comprise optical waveguide filaments, for example made of PMMA, into which light from a light source can be coupled. The luminous textiles just mentioned are basically known in the prior art, it being possible for the self-luminous and / or conductive yarn to be woven, knitted, knitted and / or embroidered into a textile surface, for example. Similar to what has already been explained in connection with the textile heating, the luminous textile can also be an additional component attached to the spacer textile and / or be directly integrated into the spacer textile, for example by incorporating the above-mentioned self-luminous fibers into the spacer textile. ok

In order to further enable air and / or heat to be guided through the spacer textile in a simple manner, this can - according to a further aspect of the invention - be at least partially covered with an air-impermeable and / or heat-insulating film, an air-impermeable and / or heat-insulating textile and / or be provided with an air-impermeable and / or heat-insulating coating. For example, an air-impermeable film can be attached (for example glued) to one of the base surfaces of the spacer textile in order to achieve an air release, preferably directed towards the interior. As a result, an air or heat shielding function can advantageously be integrated into the spacer textile.

In addition to the device for air distribution in the interior of a vehicle, the invention also relates to a vehicle having such a device for air distribution as described in this document. In principle, the vehicle can be a land vehicle (for example an omnibus), a watercraft (for example a ship) and / or an aircraft (for example an airplane).

According to one aspect of the invention, the vehicle can in particular be a passenger car, a utility vehicle (such as a truck or a tractor) and / or a vehicle for passenger transport (such as an omnibus, airplane or rail vehicle). Since the last-mentioned vehicles for passenger transport often have large interiors, the use of a textile Luftverteilungsein direction can be made possible from reaching air distribution over large areas in a simple and inexpensive way even with low air flow rates, in which drafts are avoided due to the reduced outflow speeds can.

In order to advantageously enable zonal or regionally different ventilation of the interior, for example because there are currently no people in a rear area of the vehicle and therefore no air circulation is currently required there, the vehicle can - according to a further aspect of the invention - a modular and / or have segmented ventilation. For this purpose, the vehicle can comprise at least two devices for air distribution, as described in this document, wherein the at least two devices can each be assigned to specific, ie previously defined, areas of the interior. For this purpose, the textile air distribution device of the corresponding devices, which in this context can also be referred to as modules for air distribution, can be arranged, for example, at different points (e.g. in a front and rear area) in the interior of the vehicle. In other words, at least two can Devices for air distribution can be designed to deliver air primarily only to a certain partial area of the vehicle interior. In addition, the vehicle can comprise a control device which is designed to control the at least two devices differently for different ventilation of the specific areas of the interior. This can be done, for example, by varying the delivery rate of the respective air supply devices. In addition or as an alternative, however, actuating elements, such as throttles or flaps, which are actuated by the control device, can also be provided — each assigned to a device. In addition to zonally different ventilation of the interior space, if the devices have appropriate heating or cooling devices, zonally different temperature control or air conditioning can preferably also take place. For example, different zonal temperature control or air conditioning can take place depending on how many people are currently in a certain area of the vehicle. So z. B. in an area in which there are currently many passengers, air with a slightly lower temperature compared to the rest of the vehicle are introduced to compensate for the heat introduced there. For this purpose, the control device can additionally be designed to control the at least two devices, ie in particular the corresponding heating or cooling devices, differently for different temperature control of the specific areas of the interior.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the textile air distribution device and / or the spacer textile can be part of a ceiling interior lining of the vehicle that extends over several rows of seats and forms the vehicle roof. The textile air distribution device or the spacer textile is preferably attached in the interior of the vehicle in such a way that one of the base surfaces of the spacer textile faces the interior. In other words, one of the base surfaces of the spacer textile can thus form the vehicle ceiling that is visible to the occupants of the vehicle, at least in some areas. In addition, the textile air distribution device or the spacer textile can also be designed as part of a floor or wall interior paneling of the vehicle, preferably extending over several rows of seats. In addition to a space-saving integration of the vehicle ventilation in the interior structures of the vehicle, the diverse design options for textiles also advantageously enable a high degree of flexibility in the paneling or ventilation design. In order to advantageously achieve temperature control and / or air conditioning in addition to ventilating the vehicle interior, according to a further aspect of the invention, the device for air distribution in the interior can be part of an air conditioning system of the vehicle. Here, by means of the air supply device and / or the device itself, tempered, ie heated and / or cooled, air can be provided, which is passed through the stand textile into the interior. For example, in this context, the air supply device can be designed as an air supply device for conveying and providing temperature-controlled, preferably cooled, air. In addition or alternatively, the device itself can also have a corresponding heating device, e.g. B. in the form of a heated textile fleece attached to the spacer textile and / or inte grated electrically conductive fibers in the spacer textile.

In an advantageous manner, a simple and quick attachment of the device for Luftver distribution on the vehicle, d. H. in particular in the vehicle interior, according to a further aspect of the invention, the spacer textile can be fastened to the vehicle by means of a piping connection, a zip, a Velcro fastener and / or by means of a profile rail. In addition or as an alternative, other types of connection known to the person skilled in the art can also be used, for example by means of snap fasteners, retaining clips and / or adhesive connections, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The aspects and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another as desired. Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1A: a greatly simplified schematic illustration of an air distribution device for a vehicle, as used in the prior art;

FIG. 1B shows a greatly simplified schematic representation of a textile air distribution device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A shows a schematic detailed illustration of a textile air distribution device for a

Vehicle in side view according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2B is a schematic detailed representation of a textile air distribution device for a

Vehicle in side view according to a third embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a roof area of a vehicle with a textile air distribution device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A shows a schematic representation of a textile air distribution device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B shows a schematic representation of a textile air distribution device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a vehicle with a device for air distribution in the interior according to an embodiment of the invention.

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in all figures and some are not described separately.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a greatly simplified comparison of the basic functioning of air distribution devices 3 in the motor vehicle sector, as used so far in the prior art (FIG. 1A), and according to an embodiment of the invention (FIG. 1B). The usual embodiment of an air distribution device 3 shown in FIG. 1A in the motor vehicle sector generally includes highly localized air outlets 3a, e.g. B. in the form of grids or slots, in the interior 3b. In order to achieve a sufficient ventilation effect in the interior 1 of the vehicle 20 by means of these limited openings, the air or the air flow L emitted from the corresponding air outlets 3a often has a high outflow speed, which is sometimes perceived as unpleasant by the occupants.

In contrast, the solution according to the invention shown in FIG. 1B provides for the largest possible areal air discharge via a textile, ie via an air distribution device 3 consisting essentially of textile or fabric. The textile air distribution device 3 has a spacer textile 4 which comprises two textile base surfaces 4a, 4b which are kept at a distance by a plurality of spacer threads 4c connecting the two base surfaces 4a, 4b. For example, the spacer textile can be a knitted spacer fabric, a knitted spacer fabric and / or a spacer fabric. In all cases, the spaced-apart layer structure or sandwich structure of the spacer textile 4 ensures a high level of air permeability or good permeability, so that the air distribution no longer has to be regulated via the air pressure - as was usually the case up to now. At the same time it can Due to the overall open structure, an accumulation of large amounts of moisture in the air distribution device 3 can be avoided. Compared to conventional slot or nozzle openings, ie strongly localized air outlets 3a as in Figure 1A, the largest possible air flow L can be generated with reduced outflow speeds, so that ventilation of the interior 1 without - is often perceived by occupants as unpleasant dene - drafts can be achieved.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic detailed illustration of a textile air distribution device 3 for a vehicle 20 in a side view according to a second embodiment of the invention. Here, too, the textile air distribution device 3 comprises, as a basic component, a spacer textile 4, in which two textile base surfaces 4a, 4b are both held together and at a distance by spacing connecting threads 4c. In the present case, reinforcing structural elements 6 in the form of round tubes (for example made of aluminum) are introduced into the spacer textile 4 - more precisely in the recess in which the layer of spacer threads 4c connects the two base surfaces. Alternatively, however, these stiffening structural elements 6 can also be designed in the form of other profile supports, for example in the form of square tubes, double T-supports or as supports with U, C or angle profiles. By integrating such structural elements 6 in the spacer textile 4, the overall stability of the textile air distribution device 3 can advantageously be increased, so that the formation of large-area textile constructions for air distribution is also made possible. Furthermore, the integration of the stiffening structural elements 6 shown here does not impair the appearance of the spacer textile 4, since the corresponding profile supports are covered from the outside by the two textile base surfaces 4a, 4b, which is precisely what happens when the textile air distribution device 3 is used as the interior lining of a vehicle Offers advantages.

In order to also enable the interior 1 to be heated in addition to the ventilation of the interior 1, the present embodiment of the textile air distribution device 3 also includes a heatable textile layer 5 attached to one of the two base areas - here on the base area 4b Spacer textile 3 has a textile heater, the functional principle of which is based on the fact that partially electrically conductive (e.g. galvanized) fibers are introduced into a fibrous material (e.g. a nonwoven), which fibers heat up when a current flows through them. Advantageously, this enables the most direct and thus effective heat transfer possible to the air flowing into the interior 1 of the vehicle 20, with heat losses being largely avoided due to the short transport routes through the spacer textile 4. Preferably is the heatable textile layer 5 is designed as an air-impermeable and heat-insulating textile layer, so that directed heat and air release can thereby be achieved. According to the present illustration, an exchange of heat or air would be made possible laterally as well as downwards, whereas an exchange of heat or air would be shielded upwards by an air-impermeable and heat-insulating heatable textile layer 5.

FIG. 2B likewise shows a schematic detailed illustration of a textile air distribution device 3 for a vehicle 20 in a side view according to a third embodiment of the invention. This differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 2A only in the attachment or arrangement of the heatable textile layer 5 and the stiffening structural elements 6, which are also designed here as round tubes. In contrast to the integration of the stiffening structural elements 6 in the layer of spacer threads 4c shown in FIG. 2A, the round tubes are now attached to an edge region of the spacer textile 3 (e.g., glued). In detail, this is in each case an edge region of the spacer textile 3, on which the spacer threads 4a or the sandwich structure of the textile spacer 3 are exposed. Because of this attachment of the stiffening structural elements 6 surrounding the spacer textile 3, this stiffening can also be referred to here as a frame or a mount. Since the round tubes are no longer covered from the outside by the base areas 4a, 4b, it is provided in the present case that the heatable textile layer 5 is not only attached to one of the base areas (base area 4b), but also surrounds the run tubes with the second Base 4a is in contact. In this context, it should be mentioned that instead of the covering or cladding of the stiffening structural elements 6 by the heatable textile layer 5, which is shown here only as an example, other, in particular non-heatable, textile layers can also be used. That is to say, in other words, the (heatable) textile layer 5 shown in FIG. 2B can also be a non-heatable textile, for example a non-heatable fabric.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a roof area of a vehicle 20 with a textile air distribution device 3 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The textile air distribution device 3 together with an air supply device 2 (e.g. a blower), not shown here, forms a total of a device 10 for air distribution in the interior 1 of the vehicle 20. In the present case, the textile air distribution device 3 is one, the vehicle headliner executing forming, interior ceiling trim of the vehicle 20 and comprises a spacer textile 4 (z. B. a knitted spacer), which is spaced and approximately parallel to a body part 12 of the vehicle roof is mounted in the interior 1 of the vehicle 20. Correspondingly, the spacer textile 4 or the textile air distribution device 3 can also be understood here as a suspended ceiling of the vehicle 20, one of the base areas 4a, 4b of the spacer textile 4 - here base area 4a - facing the interior 1 and being visible to possible occupants, while the base 4b faces the body part 12 of the vehicle roof and is therefore not visible to the occupants.

In principle, methods known in the prior art can be used to fasten the spacer textile 4, two possible variants I. and II. Being presented here merely by way of example. While in variant I. an edge area of the spacer textile 4 is received by a U-shaped profile rail 11, according to variant II. The spacer textile 4 is held by means of a piping connection 9 z. B. be attached to a round cross-section, which is in a Keder rail with a z. B. C-shaped profile is introduced. Instead of the aforementioned possibility of attaching the spacer textile 4 or the textile air distribution device 3 on the vehicle, however, this can also or alternatively z. B. by means of a zipper, a Velcro fastener and / or by means of snaps.

To ventilate the interior 1 of the vehicle 20, as indicated by the air flow arrows L, air can be introduced into the space between the body part 12 and the spacer textile 4, which then over the entire area of the textile 4 from the interior 1 occurs. In other words, the ventilation of the interior 1 does not take place as usual by means of strongly localized air outlets, such as nozzles, slots, etc., but via an air-permeable fiber material, here the spacer textile 4, preferably distributed over the largest possible area in the interior 1 In this embodiment, the spaced-apart layer structure of the spacer textile 4 ensures overall high air permeability and good flowability, while at the same time, in contrast to foam or other "dense" pore materials, an accumulation of moisture in the air distribution device 3 is avoided can. Due to the largest possible area of air discharge with reduced outflow velocities compared to conventional nozzle openings and the diffuse air flow generated by the pile threads, ventilation (and possibly air conditioning) of the interior 1 can be achieved without drafts that are often perceived as unpleasant by the occupants. It should be mentioned here that the air flow L shown is only to be understood as an example. Thus, instead of flowing onto a base area (here 4b) and exiting via the second base area (here 4a) The passage through the spacer textile 4 also means that air is introduced “laterally” into the spacer textile 4, preferably into the layer of spacer threads 4c. In this case, for the directed release of air into the interior 1, for example, the “rear” base surface (here 4b) can be provided with an air-impermeable coating and / or modified in some other way (e.g. more densely woven) to thereby give preference to generate air flow directed towards the interior 1.

In addition to the air-distributing effect of the spacer textile 4 just mentioned, this also serves, according to the present embodiment, to hold several lighting devices 8. These are here a luminous textile integrated into the spacer textile 4, which is preferably a self-luminous yarn and / or a Conductive yarn integrated light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and / or polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs). The luminous textile can be an additional component attached to the spacer textile 4 or it can be woven, knitted, etc. directly into the spacer textile 4. Finally, the embodiment of the textile air distribution device 3 shown in FIG. 3 also includes a heatable textile layer 5, which is attached in areas to the base 4b and by means of which the air introduced into the interior 1 can be heated - at least in the area of the textile heater. For this purpose, the heatable textile layer 5 comprises electrically conductive (z. B. galvanized) fibers and / or yarns, which can be heated by means of a current flow. In addition to the additional attachment of a correspondingly heatable textile layer 5 shown on the spacer textile 4, the electrically conductive fibers can also or alternatively also be introduced directly into the stand textile from.

Figures 4A and 4B show schematic representations of the textile air distribution device 3 according to two further embodiments of the invention. However, they do not differ in their structural design, but only in their air supply by an air supply device 2 (not shown). In other words, the two embodiments shown have different air ducts.

With regard to their structural features, both textile Luftverteilungseinrichtun gene 3 each have a three-part basic structure, comprising an essentially planar central part 3.1, to which both sides side parts 3.2 and 3.3 with an S-shaped cross-section adjoin Shen. All of the aforementioned parts of the textile air distribution devices 3 are each designed as self-supporting molded parts made of spacer textile 4 and include corresponding stiffening structural elements 6 for stabilization. These are only exemplary in shape here executed by carriers with a square cross-section, which are introduced into recesses in the respective, the base areas 4a, 4b connecting, layer of spacer threads 4c. Overall, a self-supporting roof structure can be created, which is suitable for installation as a ceiling interior cladding, false ceiling and / or suspended ceiling in a vehicle 20, whereby - according to the usual installation method - the area facing downwards in the figures Interior 1 of the vehicle 20 should be facing.

Furthermore, several lighting devices 8 as well as sensor devices 7 are integrated into the two air distribution devices 3. For example, the lighting devices 8 - as already mentioned above - can be a luminescent textile that contains a self-luminous yarn and / or light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and / or integrated into a conductive yarn. or polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs). Furthermore, the sensor devices 7 can be - merely by way of example - sensor devices 7 for detecting air humidity, a number of people in the interior, seat occupancy and / or an interior temperature. The data captured by the sensor devices 7 can particularly preferably be used to control and / or regulate the ventilation of the interior space 1. The sensor devices 7 - similar to the case of the profile supports - be arranged in corresponding recesses in the spacer threads 4c or, as shown here, on the inwardly directed base 4a of the spacer textile 4, so that the corresponding sensor devices 7 from Interior 1 of the vehicle 20 are visible. In order to also enable the interior 1 to be heated in addition to the ventilation of the vehicle interior, all "rear" base areas 4b of the molded parts made of spacer textile 4 are also provided with a heatable textile layer 5, e.g. B. a heatable air-permeable textile fleece is provided. This advantageously enables the most immediate and thus effective heat dissipation to the air flowing through the spacer textile 4, the exact air guidance being discussed in greater detail below.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, it is provided by way of example that air is sucked in from the interior 1 of the vehicle 20 in the area of the central part 3.1 by an air conveyor 2 (not shown in detail) or there through the spacer textile 4 into a "rear" area is promoted. Starting from this "rear" area of the In the middle part 3.1, the air flow L then becomes the two side parts 3.2 and 3.3. gelei tet, where it re-enters the interior of the vehicle 20 through the spacer textile 4 of the side parts 3.2, 3.3. In addition to the resulting convection or air circulation, the heatable textile layer 5 also enables the air to be heated before it re-enters the vehicle interior. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4B, the air is released to the interior 1 via the central middle part 3.1 of the textile air distribution devices 3. The air for this purpose is conveyed via the two side parts 3.2 and 3.3 from the interior 1 and "back" to the middle part 3.1 headed. Here, too, the heatable textile layer 5 can again be used to control the temperature of the air.

Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 20 with a device 10 for air distribution in the interior 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the present case, the vehicle 20 is a bus, with the corresponding device 10 for air distribution also in other land, air and / or water vehicles, including z. B. trains, airplanes and / or ships can be used. The vehicle 20 here comprises an air supply device 2 for conveying air, which can be, for example, a blower, a fan, a ventilator and / or some other device known in the prior art for the directed movement and / or distribution of air. This air supply device 2 can preferably be an air supply device for conveying and providing temperature-controlled, ie in particular cooled, air. Furthermore, the vehicle 20 comprises a with the air supply device 2, z. B. by means of pipes, fluidically connected textile air distribution device 3, which is designed to deliver air conveyed by the air supply device 2, preferably over a large area, to the interior 1 of the vehicle 20. In the present case, the textile air distribution device 3 is part of a ceiling interior lining of the vehicle 20 that extends over several rows of seats and forms the vehicle headliner and comprises a spacer textile 4. This has - as already stated above - two textile base surfaces 4a, 4b, which are kept at a distance by a plurality of spacer threads 4c connecting the two base surfaces 4a, 4b, the spacer textile 4 preferably being attached in the roof area in such a way that one of the base surfaces 4a, 4b of the spacer textile 4 faces the interior 1 (cf. B. Figure 3). In an advantageous manner, the most homogeneous air distribution possible over a large area can thereby be made possible, whereby a pleasant ventilation effect for occupants is achieved without the occurrence of drafts due to the associated reduced outflow speeds. Although the invention has been described with reference to particular exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents used as replacements without departing from the scope of the invention. Consequently, the invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but rather is intended to include all exemplary embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to.

List of reference symbols

1 interior of a vehicle

2 air supply device

3 air distribution device

3.1 Middle part

3.2, 3.3 side panel

3a air outlet

3b interior

4 spacer textile

4a, 4b textile base areas

4c spacer threads

5 Heatable textile layer

6 structural element

7 Sensor setup

8 lighting equipment

9 Piping connection

10 device for air distribution in the interior of a vehicle

11 profile rail

12 body part

20 vehicle

L air flow

Claims

A device (10) for air distribution in the interior (1) of a vehicle (20), comprising a) an air supply device (2) for conveying air; and

b) a with the air supply device (2) fluidically connected textile air distribution device (3), which is designed to deliver air, preferably flat, to the interior (1) of the vehicle (20) from the air supply device (2);

characterized in that the textile air distribution device (3) is a spacer fabric (4), having two textile base surfaces (4a, 4b) which are kept at a distance by a plurality of spacer threads (4c) connecting the two base surfaces (4a, 4b) , includes.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the textile air distribution device (3) is designed as an interior lining, preferably a floor, door, wall and / or ceiling interior lining of the vehicle (20) .

3. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer textile (4) is a spacer knitted fabric, a spacer knitted fabric and / or a spacer fabric.

4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the textile air distribution device (3) comprises a structure for spatially varying air delivery.

5. The device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the structuring a) comprises a spatial variation of a thickness, a porosity and / or a material composition of the spacer textile (4); and or

b) comprises a spatial variation of a density, an angular position, a rigidity and / or a fineness of the spacer threads (4c).

6. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two base surfaces (4a, 4b) of the spacer textile (4) have a different composition and / or a different air permeability.

7. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer textile is at least partially provided with a heatable textile layer (5), preferably a heatable nonwoven fabric.

8. Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the heatable textile layer (5) can be heated over its entire surface and / or is impermeable to air and / or comprises a heat-insulating layer or coating.

9. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the textile air distribution device (3) comprises at least one stiffening structural element (6).

10. Device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one stiffening structural element (6)

a) comprises a profile carrier introduced into the spacer textile; and / or b) comprises a frame surrounding an edge region of the spacer textile (4) at least in sections; and or

c) a carrier shell, preferably a sprayed-on plastic carrier shell, connected at least in some areas, preferably over the entire surface, to one of the base surfaces (4a, 4b) of the spacer textile (4).

11. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the textile air distribution device (3) as a self-supporting molded part, preferably for installation as a floor, door, wall and / or ceiling interior trim in the vehicle (20 ), is trained.

12. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the textile air distribution device (3) has a sensor device (7) integrated into the spacer textile (4), preferably a sensor device (7) for detecting air humidity, a number of people in the interior (1), a seat occupancy and / or an interior temperature, includes.

13. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the textile air distribution device (3) comprises a lighting device (8) integrated into the spacer textile (4).

14. The device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the lighting device (8) is designed in the form of a luminous textile, the luminous textile preferably as a self-luminous yarn and / or LEDs, OLEDs and / or PLEDs integrated in a conductive yarn includes.

15. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer textile (4) is at least partially provided with an air-impermeable and / or heat-insulating film, textile and / or coating.

16. Vehicle (20), preferably omnibus, having a device (10) for air distribution in the interior (1) of the vehicle (20) according to any one of claims 1-15.

17. Vehicle (20) according to claim 16, characterized in that the vehicle is a passenger car, a commercial vehicle and / or vehicle for passenger transport, preferably an omnibus, airplane or rail vehicle.

18. Vehicle (20) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized by

at least two devices (10) for air distribution, the at least two devices (10) each being assigned to specific areas of the interior (1); and

a control device which is designed to control the at least two devices (10) for different ventilation of the specific areas of the interior (1) ver.

19. Vehicle (20) according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the textile air distribution device (3) is part of a ceiling interior lining of the vehicle (20) which extends over several rows of seats and forms the vehicle headliner.

20. Vehicle (20) according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the device (10) for air distribution in the interior (1) is part of an air conditioning system of the vehicle (20), wherein by means of the air supply device (2) and / or the Vorrich device (10) can be provided with tempered air which is passed into the interior space (1) via the spacer textile (4).

21. Vehicle (20) according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the spacer textile (4) by means of a welt connection (9), a zipper, a Velcro fastener and / or by means of a profile rail (11) on the vehicle (20) is attached.